Montana Sports Betting 2025: Legal Status & MT Sportsbooks
LEGAL (LIMITED)
Montana sports betting is legal, but you can only place bets at licensed locations using the state-run Sports Bet Montana system. Read on for the full details.
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Last Updated: 21 August, 2025
Yes, sports betting is legal in Montana through a state-run system.
All wagers must be placed at licensed retail locations or on-site using the Sports Bet Montana app.
The Montana Lottery regulates the system, which is the only legal option for placing sports bets.
There are no legal private sportsbooks or competitive markets in the state.
Key facts of Montana sports betting
*Only through the Sports Bet Montana app, and only while physically at a licensed retail location.
How do I gamble in Montana?
Montana law limits where and how you can bet.
While online betting exists, you must be at a licensed retail location to place any wager.
The only legal option is Sports Bet Montana, run by the state lottery.
Social sportsbooks in Montana
Social sportsbooks like Fliff and Chalkboard are legal to use in Montana.
These apps let you make picks using virtual coins rather than real money.
Because they don’t involve real-cash betting, they aren’t regulated the same way.
They offer a casual, risk-free way to enjoy sports-related games.
Other legal gambling options
Montana allows betting on horse races both in person and online.
Betting sites like FanDuel Racing and Caesars Racebook operate legally in the state.
You can also visit commercial or tribal casinos that offer video gaming machines, poker, bingo, and raffles.
Charitable gambling is also legal under state rules, with various nonprofit events held throughout the year.
You must be at least 18 years old to place a sports bet in Montana.
This applies whether you're using a Sports Bet Montana kiosk or mobile app at a licensed location.
Most other forms of gambling in the state also follow the 18+ rule.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
Yes, you can legally bet on sports in another state if that state allows it and you're physically present there.
Montana residents often travel to neighboring states like Wyoming, which offers full mobile sports betting through multiple operators.
Idaho and North Dakota do not allow any form of legal sports betting.
South Dakota allows retail sports betting, but only in Deadwood casinos.
If you're near a state line, crossing into a legal state and placing a bet on your phone is allowed, as long as you stay within that state's borders when betting.
Placing a bet from Montana using an out-of-state sports betting app is not legal.
Betting sites to avoid
With only one legal option in the state, some Montana players may search for other platforms online.
Many of these are offshore sportsbooks that claim to accept US users, but they’re not legal or regulated.
These sites operate outside US laws, offer no consumer protections, and are often linked to poor service and blocked withdrawals.
⚠️ Unregulated offshore sites often pose serious risks like identity theft, frozen funds, and rigged odds. Stick to legal, state-run platforms for safe betting. ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in Montana
Pros
- ✅ Widespread retail access across towns and cities
- ✅ Legal structure is easy to understand and follow
Cons
- ❌ Only one app, no private sportsbook options
- ❌ Must be on-site to place any legal bets
Latest sports betting updates in Montana
The future of sports betting in Montana
Montana has a working sports betting system, but its structure limits growth and competition.
The state-run model means there’s no market for private sportsbooks or national brands to enter.
There have been calls to open the market and allow more operators, but lawmakers have shown little interest in changing the system.
In 2023, a proposal to allow a second operator was rejected, keeping the Montana Lottery in full control.
As demand grows and more residents use nearby states’ apps, the pressure to expand could increase.
Still, without a major political shift, Montana sports betting online will likely remain tied to the current setup.
We don’t expect major changes in 2025, but discussions around mobile flexibility and new vendor partnerships could begin soon.
Other types of legal betting in Montana
While sports betting isn’t open to private operators in Montana, a few other types of gambling are allowed under state law.
These include online horse betting, charitable games, and both tribal and commercial casinos.
Horse racing
Montana offers limited live racing at seasonal venues like the Great Falls Turf Club and Miles City Bucking Horse Sale.
You can also place bets online using legal racebooks such as FanDuel Racing and Caesars Racebook.
These platforms offer access to national races like the Kentucky Derby.
Betting is legal as long as you use a licensed provider.
Pari-mutuel wagering
All legal horse race betting in Montana follows the pari-mutuel format.
That means bets are pooled, and payouts depend on the share of winning tickets.
Pari-mutuel wagers are available at the seasonal tracks or online through approved sites.
Charitable bingo and raffles
Montana permits charitable gaming through licensed nonprofits.
Bingo, raffles, and sports pools are common, especially at community fundraisers.
These events must follow state regulations and cannot operate as for-profit businesses.
Yes, social sportsbooks are fully legal in Montana.
These apps, like Fliff and Chalkboard, use virtual currency to let players make picks on sports events.
Since no real money is wagered or paid out, they’re considered games of entertainment.
They’re available statewide and don’t require you to be at a betting kiosk.
Social sportsbooks offer a legal and low-risk way to engage in sports-style gaming.
How to start betting in Montana
Some guides may suggest you can use standard betting apps in Montana, but that’s not true.
We’ll only show you real, legal ways to gamble, and they may not involve traditional sportsbooks.
Social sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks are fully legal and easy to use in Montana.
You can download apps like Fliff or Chalkboard and start making picks with virtual coins.
These platforms offer contests, leaderboards, and prizes like sweepstakes or merchandise.
Since no real-money betting occurs, they’re a safe option for casual sports fans.
Online horse race betting
You can legally place bets on horse races using licensed racebooks such as FanDuel Racing, Caesars Racebook, and TwinSpires.
These sites cover major events like the Triple Crown and allow account deposits, odds browsing, and bet placement from home.
This is one of the few true online gambling options available in the state.
Charitable gambling
Montana allows nonprofit groups to run raffles, bingo nights, and sports pools.
These games are usually held in person at events or licensed venues.
Proceeds must go to charitable causes, and games must meet state and local rules.
It's a legal and community-supported way to gamble.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you live near Wyoming or South Dakota, you can cross the border to access more sportsbook options.
Wyoming allows full mobile betting, while South Dakota offers retail-only betting in Deadwood casinos.
As long as you’re in that state when placing your bet, you’re following the law.
Just remember: you can’t legally place a bet from Montana using another state’s app.
Social sportsbooks in Montana
Social sportsbooks give Montana players a legal, risk-free way to enjoy sports betting-style action.
These platforms use virtual currency, not real money, and are accessible anywhere in the state.
1. Fliff
Fliff is one of the most popular social sportsbooks in Montana.
It mimics a real sportsbook with spreads, totals, and props, except it uses Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash.
Players can earn rewards and even redeem prizes under a sweepstakes model. It’s available statewide and works on mobile or desktop.
This platform is often the closest legal option to real-money betting.
Top features
Real sportsbook feel with no cash risk
Redeem coins for gift cards or cash
Frequent promos and bonus coin offers
NFL, NBA, and college picks
Fast app performance
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Cash redemption option
- ✅ Wide betting variety
Cons
- ❌ Limited prize values
- ❌ Can resemble real-money betting too closely for some
2. Chalkboard
Chalkboard is a social sports app focused on community and conversation.
Users create or join betting “boards” to make free picks and compare outcomes.
It’s 100% free and focuses more on group play and shared leaderboards than rewards.
There are no sweepstakes or cash prizes, just fun, bragging rights, and friendly competition.
Top features
Social group play and betting boards
Real-time score updates
NFL, NBA, and MLB coverage
Stats integration from official feeds
Free to use, no purchases needed
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Great for groups and chat
- ✅ Free, no personal info required
Cons
- ❌ No prizes or sweepstakes
- ❌ Less structured than other apps
3. Thrillz
Thrillz combines social gaming with sweepstakes features.
Users can earn Sweeps Coins, climb leaderboards, and enter prize draws by picking winning outcomes.
You must purchase or earn Sweeps Coins to enter premium contests.
It’s less mainstream than Fliff but offers similar sports coverage.
Top features
Sweepstakes prize model
Frequent contests with real prizes
$3 free Sweeps Coins at sign-up
Covers NFL, NBA, MLB, and soccer
Clean, modern interface
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Leaderboards and prize variety
- ✅ Free bonus at signup
Cons
- ❌ Requires purchase for some features
- ❌ Smaller user base than competitors
Types of bets in Montana
Even though Montana sports betting apps work only at licensed locations, it’s still helpful to understand the common types of wagers you’ll see.
Moneyline: A straight bet on which team or player will win. No points or spreads involved.
Point spread: You bet on whether a team will win or lose by a specific number of points. This levels the odds between stronger and weaker teams.
Over/under: Also called totals, this bet is on whether the combined score of both teams will go over or under a set number.
Futures: These are long-term bets on outcomes like who will win the championship or the MVP. They’re usually placed weeks or months in advance.
Parlays: A bet that combines two or more individual wagers. All must win for the parlay to cash out, but payouts are much higher.
Prop bets: Short for proposition bets, these focus on specific outcomes like a player’s stats or the result of the first play. They're not tied to the final score.
Live betting: Also called in-play betting, this lets you place wagers while the game is happening. Odds shift in real time based on game events.
Responsible gambling in Montana
Montana offers legal gambling options, but it’s important to play responsibly. Gambling should be fun, not a way to solve financial problems or escape stress.
If you’re finding it hard to stay in control, help is available.
The state provides multiple resources for support, education, and treatment.
Montana-specific resources:
Montana Council on Problem Gambling Website: https://www.mtproblemgambling.org/ 24/7 Helpline: 888-900-9979
Montana Department of Justice – Gambling Control Division Website: dojmt.gov/gaming
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Website: dphhs.mt.gov offers addiction treatment and behavioral health services
National help organizations:
National Council on Problem Gambling Website: ncpgambling.org 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Gamblers Anonymous Website: gamblersanonymous.org
Gam-Anon (for family members)Website: gam-anon.org
If you or someone you know is chasing losses, hiding betting habits, or gambling with money you can’t afford to lose, reach out.
You're not alone, and support is always available. Read our gambling addiction help page here.
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